Science fiction and fantasy are some of the fastest-growing genres in children's literature. Once considered “not serious,” speculative fiction--science fiction and fantasy--now has recognized value: it's a safe way for young readers to explore new ideas and confront important social issues in metaphorical form, to gain insight into minds and cultures different from their own, and--of course--to experience a healthy escape from the day-to-day realities of an often all-too-scary world. Pull children and young adults into reading and spark their imaginations with these great titles!